Student Profile: Mark Kicher

Why did you choose to attend Morrisville? “I first heard about Morrisville State College when I was at a National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana as a junior in high school. MSC had a booth set up at the convention and I was very surprised to find it! I was given some information and then I applied. I was accepted into the Natural Resources Conservation program as a senior in high school. I chose MSC because friends had told me about the great experience they had while attending. I only intended to stay at MSC for my associate degree, but after meeting so many great professors and classmates, I stayed for my bachelor’s as well. I loved the small class sizes and how involved the professors were with each student. It made the curriculum very easy to understand.”

What activities have you been involved with on and off campus? How have these activities helped you for your career? “The activities I have been involved with on campus include the Student Government Organization, Intramural Sports, Freshman Orientation Leader, Work Study, and Teaching Assistant. I have also been an active member of the Conservation Tri-Society for four years. My sophomore year I held the Vice-President Positon with the Conservation Tri-Society and my junior year I held the President position. The leadership roles that I have held while attending MSC have helped me accelerate my career. The activities have enabled me to build a relationship with professors and professionals in the field. An activity I have been involved with off campus is volunteering at Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center. Through volunteering and networking off campus I was able to obtain a job at New York State Parks.”

What MSC professor has influenced you and why? “Being in such a small program it is difficult to say that only one professor has influenced me in my four years at MSC. All the professors in the Environmental Sciences Department have helped me succeed in some way, and I am very grateful for that! But the professor who influenced me the most would have to be Professor Snyder. I met Professor Snyder in my second semester of my freshman year of college. After taking a course with him, I knew his knowledge and charisma would impact my college career. I worked closely with Professor Snyder throughout the four years I attended MSC. He has been my academic advisor, club advisor, mentor, teacher and also a friend. The wisdom and advice that I have received from Professor Snyder has helped me accelerate in my career and personal life. He has been a true inspiration and I will use knowledge he has taught me the rest of my life.”

What has been your favorite campus event or activity? “My favorite campus activity was my involvement in the Student Government Organization. Being a leader on campus gave me the opportunity to meet professionals in many different career fields, to connect with the student body at MSC and to meet and connect with faculty and professors.”

What was the most important class you have taken at MSC? What did you learn? “The most important class I took at MSC was Aquatic Field Techniques. The class gave me experience on sampling techniques, boat safety, data collection and how to interpret data that I collected. This class also taught me how vital data and time are when working in the field. To quote Professor Snyder; ‘Time is Money!’”

What are your plans after college or your career goals? “My plans after college are to travel and start my career. I have plans to work for a state or federal agency in the field of land management or parks and recreation.”

What advice would you give other students? “My advice is to join a club, sports team, a committee or simply volunteer on campus. Being involved on campus is a great way to connect with other students, professors, and faculty and to build a resume. Along with being involved on campus, using campus resources is another building block for student success. There are many opportunities on MSC’s campus that should be taken advantage of!”